The sheep trade has ignited since the start of the week. As can be seen in the price table, quotes have increased by 15c to 20c/kg, with Kildare Chilling leading the field with a base quote of €5.50/kg and its 10c/kg QA bonus.

While factories tried holding prices at a top of €5.60/kg to €5.65/kg over the weekend, it was clear there were gaps appearing.

Tight supplies pushed prices offered to groups and sellers with higher numbers to €5.70/kg to €5.75/kg as the week progressed.

Reports yesterday show €5.80/kg being given at the higher end of the market to secure sales. Sellers also suggest factory agents have not outrightly refused having to raise quotes in the coming week should the higher prices fail to entice higher numbers into the market.

Sellers with smaller numbers are generally trading lambs from €5.55/kg to €5.65/kg for QA lambs.

Farmers with more bargaining power and producer groups are achieving €5.70/kg to €5.75/kg by means of producer group bonuses.

Falling throughput: Increased demand is coming on the back of steady market conditions and falling throughput.

After last week’s temporary rise, throughput fell from 40,948 head to 37,860 sheep in the last week.

A significant contributor was imports from Northern Ireland reducing over 2,000 head to 5,403 sheep. This comes on the back of Northern quotes strengthening to £4.00/kg to £4.05/kg, or with further strengthening of euro to the equivalent of €5.80/kg to €5.86/kg including VAT.

Reports yesterday showed prices paid rising to £4.10/kg (equivalent of €5.94/kg including VAT) to secure sales from specialised finishers or sellers handling large numbers.

The trade in the UK has also moved upward. Reports showed prices paid rising to £4.20/kg (€6.08/kg) early in the week with some sellers securing £4.30/kg (€6.22/kg) as the week progressed for large volumes of lambs.

The rise in the lamb trade is also flowing into the ewe trade, with plants using ewes to prop up falling throughput.

Quotes in some plants have increased 10c/kg, ranging from €3.20/kg to €3.30/kg. Farmers with higher numbers are negotiating €3.35/kg to €3.45/kg, with specialised sellers and agents reported as securing anywhere from €3.50/kg to €3.70/kg, with stronger demand also reflected in a lift in the mart trade.

Lamb cleanliness: Heavy rainfall and snow showers have had a negative impact on the cleanliness of lambs presented for slaughter, particularly if grazing fodder crops. Where possible, lambs should be removed to a dry area in advance of sale or temporarily housed to improve condition for slaughter.